Having released Carson Wentz and Bobby McCain, the Commanders have gained salary cap space. Whom might they release next?
The release of Wentz alone opened up over $26 million in salary cap space for 2023. The move to release McCain created $2.2 million in cap space.
There are likely a few more moves to come soon. The Commanders could release a few players. They could also be frank with some players who are making much more than they produced. The Commanders would have the leverage toward restructuring some contracts, opening up more cap space.
A likely candidate for restructuring is tight end Logan Thomas. Coming off of his ACL injury late in 2021, Thomas struggled in 2022. His 2023 cap number being $8,675,000, can’t be ignored. Some have speculated Thomas could even be released.
Other candidates for restructuring or possible release are left tackle Charles Leno ($12,500,000), Chase Roullier ($12,420,000), left guard Andrew Norwell ($5,080,000), offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas ($4,350,000 and running back J.D. McKissic ($3,230,000).
Leno, Norwell and Lucas all struggled at times in 2022, decreasing the offensive line’s effectiveness in 2022 from the fine season the unit accomplished in 2021.
Roullier, unfortunately, suffered another major leg injury for the second consecutive season. He has been a very effective center in the past, but it could be the Commanders may not want to risk three consecutive years on Roullier or may work toward restructuring his deal.
McKissic, for the second consecutive season, injured his neck. The neck is never something to be taken as lightly as many other injuries. The Commanders may choose to use Samuel or Antonio Gibson more on third downs where McKissic was so effective in 2021.
